Surely Goodness and Mercy (Now Playing in NYC)

Often times our Black boys are not able to show a soft side of their personalities. Many societal and environmental challenges cause young black men to put on a hardened exterior or participate in machismo culture. “Surely Goodness and Mercy” is not that type of play.

Surely Goodness and Mercy has spent the last year charming audiences across the country: “Notably absent from Hutchinson’s frank and sobering story: cynicism” – Chicago Reader; “(Surely Goodness and Mercy has) a soul-stirring quality, touching audiences with its sincerity” – Daily Utah Chronicle; “it’s impossible not to like it” – The Salt Lake Tribune. Now, Keen is honored to bring this big-hearted new play to New York for the first time.

“It has been a true pleasure working with both Chisa and director Jessi Hill as they assembled this terrific and talented group of collaborators. Chisa and Jessi are truly Keen artists who create work with openness and generosity. I so look forward to watching the team bring Chisa’s beautiful play to life,” said Silverstein.

Set in an under-funded public school in Newark, Surely Goodness and Mercy by rising playwright Chisa Hutchinson, tells the story of a bible-toting boy with a photographic memory who befriends the cantankerous old lunch lady. Against all odds, Tino and Bernadette help each other through the mess of growing up and growing old.

All performances will be at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues) and will be Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7pm; Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm; and Sunday matinees at 3pm. There will be two special student matinees: Wednesday March 20 and Wednesday March 27th.

Tickets for Surely Goodness and Mercy will be $65; premium tickets will be $80; EXCEPT: all Tuesday shows will be only $25 for all seats! (All ticket prices include theater restoration fees.) Tickets are on sale NOW! Tickets may be purchased at the Theatre Row Box Office (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues), online at Telecharge.com, or by phone at 212-239-6200.